The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has told Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro to “suspend the planned payment of Sh103 million for the acquisition of a county revenue management system.”
“EACC said it is undertaking a probe into allegations of procurement irregularities in the tendering process hence ‘implementation of the contract should be suspended.'”
There were reports the company in question was paid last week.
“’…pending conclusion of investigations, we advise that you suspend implementation of the contract and the payment of the sum of Sh103.7 million purportedly being in respect of the purchase of the system.’”
“’We further put you on notice that in the event of loss to the County Government, we shall hold each and every person involved personally responsible and take appropriate criminal and/or civil action,’” reads a letter in part to Mungaro.
“The probe shows the successful bidder, Aden Construction Company Ltd, ‘does not have the requisite capacity and experience to undertake revenue management and collection.'”
“’In support of its bid, it (Aden Construction Company Ltd) annexed documents belonging to a third party, a firm by the name M/s Techbiz Limited.’”
“’However, it is critical to note that Techbiz is not a party to the agreement and the competency of the successful bidder must be based on its own merit and not those of a third party,’” noted the commission.
“EACC further argued there was no meaningful negotiation on revenue sharing and the agreed percentage of 25% is exorbitant and unconscionable.”
“’It is further noteworthy that the said Techbiz is currently providing similar service to the County Government of Mombasa and the agreed rate of sharing is only 5 percent.’”
“To facilitate investigations, EACC has asked the Acting County Secretary to provide documents including approved procurement plans for the financial year 2022/2023, the approved budget, requisition for the above tender, advertisement for the above tender and a blank tender document as uploaded on the IFMIS portal.”
“Others include bid documents submitted by all the bidders, letters appointing tender opening and evaluation committees, tender opening attendance register and minutes, tender evaluation minutes/reports, professional opinion, regret letters to the unsuccessful bidders, award notification, acceptance letter, form of agreement/contract as well as any other information that may assist in the investigations.”
